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Food

Chives, nettles and Good King Henry.

(HILLARY NELSON for the Monitor)

Home Plate: Good King Henry a perfect spinach alternative

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Who could resist an edible green that tastes like spinach and also happens to be an easy-to-grow perennial? One that can be eaten as an asparagus-like sprout in early spring, as a cooked green until autumn frosts, and whose seeds (like those of its cousin quinoa) can be used as a grain in winter? But many gardeners and local food … 0

3 peppers add pop to your July 4 potato salad

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

One variety of pepper just isn’t enough to get this potato salad ready for your July Fourth celebration. So we upped it to three – black pepper, cayenne pepper and roasted red peppers – each adding their own distinct flavor. And don’t worry, the bite of black and cayenne peppers are tamed by … 0

NYC aims to require composting food scraps

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Compulsory composting Legions of New York City apartment dwellers will soon be asked – and may eventually be forced – to start collecting food scraps for composting. The city launched a test program recently in 3,500 Staten Island homes and some Manhattan apartment buildings. Officials say they plan to expand it to 100,000 houses and high-rise apartments in all five boroughs this fall. … 0

Nutritional labels may be in alochol’s future

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Alcoholic beverages soon could have nutritional labels like those on food packaging, but only if the producers want to put them there. The Treasury Department, which regulates alcohol, said last week that beer, wine and spirits companies can … 0

Hellmann’s whips  up birthday campaign

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

A lot changes in 100 years, but the key to Hellmann’s success may be that not much has changed for the mayonnaise. To celebrate Hellmann’s centennial birthday, owner Unilever is launching a marketing campaign to drum up attention … 0

The ultimate casserole

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Casseroles have never really had much of a place in my culinary repertoire. It’s a time thing mostly. I’d rather sear something off in a few minutes than stand around while it slowly bakes. I’ve also never been … 0

Dinner in 30 minutes: Beet Pesto Pasta

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

This is strikingly, deeply pink food you don’t need to be afraid of. You could cook the beets from scratch (see note), but we found it easier to use the vacuum-packed cooked beets in the refrigerated section of … 0

It's time to bring out your grills!

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Whether you’ve just bought a shiny new grill or pulled your old one out of winter hibernation, step No. 1 before embracing grilling season is to clean and season it. Grills are like cast-iron skillets; the more you … 0

New Mexican restaurant to open on Loudon Road

Sunday, May 26, 2013

A new Mexican restaurant will open on Loudon Road this summer. El Rodeo, a family-owned group of Mexican restaurants, will open in July at 22 Loudon Road, said Pedro Aguirre, one of the company’s employees. Outback Steakhouse occupied the restaurant space until it closed last year. Aguirre’s uncle, … 0

Just roll with it: Healthful sides for a summer picnic

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

When it comes to packing a picnic basket, sandwiches are almost always the stars of the menu. And why not? They are easy to eat with your hands, pack well and are versatile enough to keep everyone happy. … 0

Gluten-Free living: Gooey goodness in a matter of minutes

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

If you’re trying to drop a few pounds before swimsuit season, stop reading now. Seriously. There’s probably a feature elsewhere in this food section that involves things like vegetables and whole grains. If, however, you want to know … 0

Science helps perfect cheese sauce

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Imagine your favorite cheese: perhaps an aged, sharp cheddar, or maybe a blue Gorgonzola or a gentle Monterey Jack. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to use those really good cheeses you love on nachos or as a sauce on … 0

NYC elementary school adopts all-vegetarian menu

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Public School 244 is the first public school in the city to go all-veggie. The animal-welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says it might be the first all-veggie public elementary school in the nation. Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott says he’s proud of the “trailblazing” school. … 0